We sincerely hope that your visit to Bethel has

Welcome
been a rewarding one. No doubt it has helped you to
become acquainted with the work that Jehovah’s
Witnesses are doing to aid people in their quest for
Welcome It is a pleasure to welcome you to the

to the Central Europe

a better future through God’s Kingdom. May your Central Europe branch office of Jehovah’s
visit with us be an encouragement to you in your Witnesses. We hope that your visit will be a
pleasant one. Our branch complex is called Bethel,
Branch Office
efforts to learn more about our loving Creator and to
live by his righteous standards. which means “House of God.” This Biblical name
is fitting because all those who serve here are
Visiting Hours: Visitors are welcome to take a guided
tour of our facilities. The regular visiting hours are of Jehovah’s Witnesses ordained ministers, dedicated to Jehovah God.
They devote themselves full-time to supporting the
Monday Through Friday: Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work.
—Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. To organize this work, there are about 90 branch
offices worldwide—all working under the direction
We request that larger groups inform us in advance of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
of their planned visit. The Central Europe branch supports the preaching
work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Austria, Germany,
Graphics Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
Location: Niederselters, Am Steinfels 1, 65618 Selters (Taunus).
The Graphics Department combines artwork, Telephone: 49(0)6483 410
photographs, and composed text, using the ˘ 2014 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
Mutilanguage Electronic Publishing System Druck und Verlag: Wachtturm-Gesellschaft, Selters/Taunus
Printed in Germany fo-E Ge
(MEPS). Translating branches send us composed
pages, which are checked and arranged into the
configuration in which they should appear on the
printing plate. Finally, the pages are sent
electronically to the printery, where plates are
made using the computer-to-plate method.

Printery
Reception Services
Center Building
Workshops 1

2
9
Office Building 3
8

7 6 5

1–8: Residence Buildings

9: Office and Residence Building

Graphics
The Graphics Department combines artwork,
photographs, and composed text, using the
Mutilanguage Electronic Publishing System
(MEPS). Translating branches send us composed
pages, which are checked and arranged into the
configuration in which they should appear on the
printing plate. Finally, the pages are sent
electronically to the printery, where plates are
made using the computer-to-plate method.
1–8: Residence Buildings
In addition, it supplies Jehovah’s Witnesses in many
parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa with Bibles and
Bible literature.
In 1902 a branch office was opened in Elberfeld
(Wuppertal), Germany. In 1920 a Central European
office was established in Switzerland. That office
supervised the work in many European countries
until the second world war. In 1923, the Germany
branch was moved to Magdeburg. After the second
world war, branch offices were opened in several
central European countries, including Germany,
where the office was eventually moved from
Magdeburg to Wiesbaden.
In 1984 a larger complex with offices, printery,
and residence buildings was completed at Selters
(Taunus), Germany. However, within ten years the
complex had to be expanded to more than double its
original size to keep up with the growth of the
preaching and teaching work. By 2014, the branch
offices in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland had
been consolidated to form the Central Europe
branch.
We sincerely hope that your visit to Bethel has
been a rewarding one. No doubt it has helped you to
become acquainted with the work that Jehovah’s
Witnesses are doing to aid people in their quest for
a better future through God’s Kingdom. May your
visit with us be an encouragement to you in your
efforts to learn more about our loving Creator and to
live by his righteous standards.
Visiting Hours: Visitors are welcome to take a guided
tour of our facilities. The regular visiting hours are
Monday Through Friday:
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
We request that larger groups inform us in advance
of their planned visit.
Location: Niederselters, Am Steinfels 1, 65618 Selters (Taunus).
Telephone: 49(0)6483 410
˘ 2014 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
Druck und Verlag: Wachtturm-Gesellschaft, Selters/Taunus
Printed in Germany
Printery
Reception
Center
Services
Building
Workshops
2
9
Office Building 3
8 This desk provides Hospital Liaison Committees in
4 the countries under the Central Europe branch with
7 6 5 the latest information on bloodless medical proce-
9: Office and Residence Building
Offices
Branch Committee
Closely following the direction of the Governing
Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Branch Commit-
tee takes the lead in organizing the preaching and
teaching work in Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
Service Department
Brothers in this department handle correspondence
from circuit overseers, elders,
pioneers, and others. In addi-
tion, the Service Department
keeps records of congregation
territories and compiles field
service reports. This depart-
ment also schedules various
theocratic schools, conven-
tions, and assemblies.
Public Information Desk
This desk provides news
agencies and others with ac-
curate information about Jeho-
vah’s Witnesses, clearing up
any misunderstandings regarding their beliefs and
ministry. Additionally, the Public Information Desk
supplies material for the “Newsroom” section on
our Web site, jw.org.
Computer Department
This department maintains the computer systems
that are used in the branch. Some of such systems
include those used to update congregation records
in the Service Department, process literature re-
quests in the printery, handle purchasing orders,
and keep schedules for the Bethel Home. The Com-
puter Department also maintains the systems for
e-mail, word processing, and file storage. This de-
partment also cares for the Multilanguage Electron-
ic Publishing System (MEPS), the Watchtower
Library, and our Web site, jw.org.
Hospital Information Desk
This desk provides Hospital Liaison Committees in
the countries under the Central Europe branch with
the latest information on bloodless medical proce-
dures. In turn, the congregation elders serving on
Welcome
to the Central Europe
Branch Office
of Jehovah’s Witnesses
fo-E Ge
1 ic Publishing System (MEPS), the Watchtower
these committees make this
information available to doctors who are
willing to treat their Witness patients without the
use of blood.
Writing Desk
The Central Europe branch is one of the branches
that has a Writing Desk, which submits written ma-
terial for our publications. Its work includes doing
research for the Writing Department, which is locat-
ed at the world headquarters in Brooklyn, New York.
It also handles correspondence about Bible ques-
tions and provides photographs and images for our
publications. The Writing Desk includes a section
called History Archives, which preserves and cata-
logues documents and objects relating to our theo-
cratic history and heritage in the branch territory.
History Archives also organizes exhibitions.
Translation Department
The English text of our publications is received from
world headquarters, translated into German, and
checked for conformity to the English source text.
Then the text is proofread to ensure that it adheres
to the standards of spelling, punctuation, and gram-
mar. In addition, the Translation Department over-
sees the transcription of the text into Braille and
the video production of Bible publications in Ger-
man Sign Language.
Welcome
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the
Central Europe branch office of Jehovah’s
Witnesses. We hope that your visit will be a
pleasant one. Our branch complex is called Bethel,
which means “House of God.” This Biblical name
is fitting because all those who serve here are
ordained ministers, dedicated to Jehovah God.
They devote themselves full-time to supporting the
Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work.
—Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.
To organize this work, there are about 90 branch
offices worldwide—all working under the direction
of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The Central Europe branch supports the preaching
work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Austria, Germany,
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
Audio/Video
This department prepares audio recordings of
the Bible, The Watchtower, Awake!, convention
dramas, and sound tracks for videos.
Audio/Video also records the vocal renditions of
Sing to Jehovah in German and produces
synchronized audio recordings for our videos.
In addition, it supplies Jehovah’s Witnesses in many
parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa with Bibles and
Bible literature.
In 1902 a branch office was opened in Elberfeld
(Wuppertal), Germany. In 1920 a Central European
office was established in Switzerland. That office
supervised the work in many European countries
until the second world war. In 1923, the Germany
branch was moved to Magdeburg. After the second
world war, branch offices were opened in several
central European countries, including Germany,
where the office was eventually moved from
Magdeburg to Wiesbaden.
In 1984 a larger complex with offices, printery,
and residence buildings was completed at Selters
(Taunus), Germany. However, within ten years the
complex had to be expanded to more than double its
original size to keep up with the growth of the
preaching and teaching work. By 2014, the branch
offices in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland had
been consolidated to form the Central Europe
branch.
Graphics
The Graphics Department combines artwork,
photographs, and composed text, using the
Mutilanguage Electronic Publishing System
(MEPS). Translating branches send us composed
pages, which are checked and arranged into the
configuration in which they should appear on the
printing plate. Finally, the pages are sent
electronically to the printery, where plates are
made using the computer-to-plate method.
1–8: Residence Buildings
Offices
Branch Committee
Closely following the direction of the Governing
Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Branch Commit-
tee takes the lead in organizing the preaching and
teaching work in Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
Service Department these committees make this
information available to doctors who are
Brothers in this department handle correspondence
willing to treat their Witness patients without the
from circuit overseers, elders,
use of blood.
pioneers, and others. In addi-
tion, the Service Department Writing Desk
keeps records of congregation The Central Europe branch is one of the branches
territories and compiles field that has a Writing Desk, which submits written ma-
service reports. This depart-
ment also schedules various
terial for our publications. Its work includes doing
research for the Writing Department, which is locat- Audio/Video
theocratic schools, conven-
ed at the world headquarters in Brooklyn, New York.
tions, and assemblies. It also handles correspondence about Bible ques- This department prepares audio recordings of
tions and provides photographs and images for our the Bible, The Watchtower, Awake!, convention
Public Information Desk
publications. The Writing Desk includes a section dramas, and sound tracks for videos.
This desk provides news called History Archives, which preserves and cata- Audio/Video also records the vocal renditions of
agencies and others with ac- logues documents and objects relating to our theo- Sing to Jehovah in German and produces
curate information about Jeho- cratic history and heritage in the branch territory. synchronized audio recordings for our videos.
vah’s Witnesses, clearing up
History Archives also organizes exhibitions.
any misunderstandings regarding their beliefs and
Translation Department
ministry. Additionally, the Public Information Desk
The English text of our publications is received from
supplies material for the “Newsroom” section on
our Web site, jw.org. world headquarters, translated into German, and
checked for conformity to the English source text.
Computer Department Then the text is proofread to ensure that it adheres
This department maintains the computer systems to the standards of spelling, punctuation, and gram-
that are used in the branch. Some of such systems mar. In addition, the Translation Department over-
include those used to update congregation records sees the transcription of the text into Braille and
in the Service Department, process literature re- the video production of Bible publications in Ger-
quests in the printery, handle purchasing orders, man Sign Language.
and keep schedules for the Bethel Home. The Com-
puter Department also maintains the systems for
e-mail, word processing, and file storage. This de-
partment also cares for the Multilanguage Electron-
Library, and our Web site, jw.org.
Hospital Information Desk
dures. In turn, the congregation elders serving on
We sincerely hope that your visit to Bethel has
Welcome
been a rewarding one. No doubt it has helped you to
become acquainted with the work that Jehovah’s
Witnesses are doing to aid people in their quest for
Welcome It is a pleasure to welcome you to the
to the Central Europe
a better future through God’s Kingdom. May your Central Europe branch office of Jehovah’s
visit with us be an encouragement to you in your Witnesses. We hope that your visit will be a
pleasant one. Our branch complex is called Bethel,
Branch Office
efforts to learn more about our loving Creator and to
live by his righteous standards. which means “House of God.” This Biblical name
is fitting because all those who serve here are
Visiting Hours: Visitors are welcome to take a guided
tour of our facilities. The regular visiting hours are of Jehovah’s Witnesses ordained ministers, dedicated to Jehovah God.
They devote themselves full-time to supporting the
Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work.
Monday Through Friday:
—Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and
To organize this work, there are about 90 branch
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
offices worldwide—all working under the direction
We request that larger groups inform us in advance of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
of their planned visit. The Central Europe branch supports the preaching
work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Austria, Germany,
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
Location: Niederselters, Am Steinfels 1, 65618 Selters (Taunus).
Telephone: 49(0)6483 410
˘ 2014 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
Druck und Verlag: Wachtturm-Gesellschaft, Selters/Taunus
Printed in Germany fo-E Ge
Printery
Reception
Center
Services
Building
Workshops 1
2
9
Office Building 3
8
4
7 6 5
9: Office and Residence Building
The Bethel Family
Bible Instruction
Although the members of this Bethel family come
from about 30 nations, they can truly be called a
family because of their unity in serving their heavenly
Father, Jehovah. In addition, Bethel family members
have a personal share in the Kingdom-preaching and
disciple-making work. They attend nearby
congregations, where a number of brothers serve as
elders and ministerial servants.
Each workday morning, the Bethel family comes
together to consider a Bible text, using the booklet
Examining the Scriptures Daily. After a prayer,
a chairman presides over this 15-minute discussion,
and family members are assigned to comment
on the text. Following the discussion, breakfast
is served.
On Monday evenings the entire Bethel family
gathers to study the Bible with the help of
The Watchtower. At times, there are special
programs after the Watchtower Study. These
Bible discussions each workday morning
and on Monday evenings are an important part
of Bethel life.
Shipping
This department maintains a stock of
New arrivals attend the Bethel Entrants’ School over 8,000 different items in more than
and are expected to read the entire Bible 220 languages. Our branch receives literature
during their first year at Bethel. Members requests from more than 16,000 congregations
of the Bethel family also make time for
in about 50 countries. An operator collects
personal Bible study. A well-furnished library
and packs publications onto a picking trolley,
containing publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses
using a wireless computer terminal on his arm.
as well as other reference works is available
The computer terminal indicates the quantity
to the family.
of the items requested.
Export
Requested literature is sent to the congregations
throughout the branch territory and other
countries by truck, rail, ship, air, or mail.
In addition, about 10,000 tons of literature
is sent to other countries each year.
Printery
Pressroom
Magazines, booklets, book signatures (book
parts), and tracts are printed in four colors on
our rotary offset press. In one hour, 200,000
16-page magazines can be printed, folded,
glued, trimmed, counted, and shrink-wrapped
in one continuous process. Forms, assembly
programs, book covers, and the like are printed
on smaller presses.
Bindery
Our bindery produces about 100,000 softcover
books a day. For durability, the glue used to
attach the cover to the book is able to
withstand wide fluctuations in temperature,
thus making the books suitable for climates
from Africa to Siberia.
The Bethel Home
Bethel family members are provided with room
and board and a small monthly allowance to
assist with their personal expenses. Nine
residence buildings provide comfortable rooms.
A number of essential tasks are performed in
the Bethel Home. For example, some members washes and irons over seven tons of
serve in the kitchen, where they prepare nutritious clothing for the family every week. The
meals that are served in our spacious dining laundered items are delivered to each
room. The family thus benefits from a residential building.
well-balanced diet in a wholesome environment.
Other members do cleaning and housekeeping.
Some family members are assigned to look after
the grounds, and various maintenance crews care
for buildings, machines, and vehicles. The laundry

In addition, it supplies Jehovah’s Witnesses in many
parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa with Bibles and
Bible literature.
In 1902 a branch office was opened in Elberfeld
(Wuppertal), Germany. In 1920 a Central European
office was established in Switzerland. That office
supervised the work in many European countries
until the second world war. In 1923, the Germany
branch was moved to Magdeburg. After the second
world war, branch offices were opened in several
central European countries, including Germany,
where the office was eventually moved from
Magdeburg to Wiesbaden.
In 1984 a larger complex with offices, printery,
and residence buildings was completed at Selters
(Taunus), Germany. However, within ten years the
complex had to be expanded to more than double its
original size to keep up with the growth of the
preaching and teaching work. By 2014, the branch
offices in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland had
been consolidated to form the Central Europe
branch.
Offices
Branch Committee
Closely following the direction of the Governing
Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Branch Commit-
tee takes the lead in organizing the preaching and
teaching work in Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
Service Department these committees make this
Brothers in this department handle correspondence information available to doctors who are
from circuit overseers, elders, willing to treat their Witness patients without the
pioneers, and others. In addi- use of blood.
tion, the Service Department Writing Desk
keeps records of congregation The Central Europe branch is one of the branches
territories and compiles field that has a Writing Desk, which submits written ma-
service reports. This depart- terial for our publications. Its work includes doing
ment also schedules various
theocratic schools, conven-
research for the Writing Department, which is locat-
ed at the world headquarters in Brooklyn, New York.
Audio/Video
tions, and assemblies. It also handles correspondence about Bible ques- This department prepares audio recordings of
tions and provides photographs and images for our the Bible, The Watchtower, Awake!, convention
Public Information Desk publications. The Writing Desk includes a section dramas, and sound tracks for videos.
This desk provides news called History Archives, which preserves and cata- Audio/Video also records the vocal renditions of
agencies and others with ac- logues documents and objects relating to our theo- Sing to Jehovah in German and produces
curate information about Jeho- cratic history and heritage in the branch territory. synchronized audio recordings for our videos.
vah’s Witnesses, clearing up
History Archives also organizes exhibitions.
any misunderstandings regarding their beliefs and
Translation Department
ministry. Additionally, the Public Information Desk
The English text of our publications is received from
supplies material for the “Newsroom” section on
our Web site, jw.org. world headquarters, translated into German, and
checked for conformity to the English source text.
Computer Department Then the text is proofread to ensure that it adheres
This department maintains the computer systems to the standards of spelling, punctuation, and gram-
that are used in the branch. Some of such systems mar. In addition, the Translation Department over-
include those used to update congregation records sees the transcription of the text into Braille and
in the Service Department, process literature re- the video production of Bible publications in Ger-
quests in the printery, handle purchasing orders, man Sign Language.
and keep schedules for the Bethel Home. The Com-
puter Department also maintains the systems for
e-mail, word processing, and file storage. This de-
partment also cares for the Multilanguage Electron-
ic Publishing System (MEPS), the Watchtower
Library, and our Web site, jw.org.
Hospital Information Desk
This desk provides Hospital Liaison Committees in
the countries under the Central Europe branch with
the latest information on bloodless medical proce-
dures. In turn, the congregation elders serving on

Graphics
The Graphics Department combines artwork,
photographs, and composed text, using the
Mutilanguage Electronic Publishing System
(MEPS). Translating branches send us composed
pages, which are checked and arranged into the
configuration in which they should appear on the
printing plate. Finally, the pages are sent
electronically to the printery, where plates are
made using the computer-to-plate method.
1–8: Residence Buildings
In addition, it supplies Jehovah’s Witnesses in many
parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa with Bibles and
Bible literature.
In 1902 a branch office was opened in Elberfeld
(Wuppertal), Germany. In 1920 a Central European
office was established in Switzerland. That office
supervised the work in many European countries
until the second world war. In 1923, the Germany
branch was moved to Magdeburg. After the second
world war, branch offices were opened in several
central European countries, including Germany,
where the office was eventually moved from
Magdeburg to Wiesbaden.
In 1984 a larger complex with offices, printery,
and residence buildings was completed at Selters
(Taunus), Germany. However, within ten years the
complex had to be expanded to more than double its
original size to keep up with the growth of the
preaching and teaching work. By 2014, the branch
offices in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland had
been consolidated to form the Central Europe
branch.
We sincerely hope that your visit to Bethel has
been a rewarding one. No doubt it has helped you to
become acquainted with the work that Jehovah’s
Witnesses are doing to aid people in their quest for
a better future through God’s Kingdom. May your
visit with us be an encouragement to you in your
efforts to learn more about our loving Creator and to
live by his righteous standards.
Visiting Hours: Visitors are welcome to take a guided
tour of our facilities. The regular visiting hours are
Monday Through Friday:
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
We request that larger groups inform us in advance
of their planned visit.
Location: Niederselters, Am Steinfels 1, 65618 Selters (Taunus).
Telephone: 49(0)6483 410
˘ 2014 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
Druck und Verlag: Wachtturm-Gesellschaft, Selters/Taunus
Printed in Germany
Printery
Reception
Center
Services
Building
Workshops
2
9
Office Building 3
8 This desk provides Hospital Liaison Committees in
4 the countries under the Central Europe branch with
7 6 5 the latest information on bloodless medical proce-
9: Office and Residence Building
Offices
Branch Committee
Closely following the direction of the Governing
Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Branch Commit-
tee takes the lead in organizing the preaching and
teaching work in Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
Service Department
Brothers in this department handle correspondence
from circuit overseers, elders,
pioneers, and others. In addi-
tion, the Service Department
keeps records of congregation
territories and compiles field
service reports. This depart-
ment also schedules various
theocratic schools, conven-
tions, and assemblies.
Public Information Desk
This desk provides news
agencies and others with ac-
curate information about Jeho-
vah’s Witnesses, clearing up
any misunderstandings regarding their beliefs and
ministry. Additionally, the Public Information Desk
supplies material for the “Newsroom” section on
our Web site, jw.org.
Computer Department
This department maintains the computer systems
that are used in the branch. Some of such systems
include those used to update congregation records
in the Service Department, process literature re-
quests in the printery, handle purchasing orders,
and keep schedules for the Bethel Home. The Com-
puter Department also maintains the systems for
e-mail, word processing, and file storage. This de-
partment also cares for the Multilanguage Electron-
ic Publishing System (MEPS), the Watchtower
Library, and our Web site, jw.org.
Hospital Information Desk
This desk provides Hospital Liaison Committees in
the countries under the Central Europe branch with
the latest information on bloodless medical proce-
dures. In turn, the congregation elders serving on
Welcome
to the Central Europe
Branch Office
of Jehovah’s Witnesses
fo-E Ge
1 ic Publishing System (MEPS), the Watchtower
these committees make this
information available to doctors who are
willing to treat their Witness patients without the
use of blood.
Writing Desk
The Central Europe branch is one of the branches
that has a Writing Desk, which submits written ma-
terial for our publications. Its work includes doing
research for the Writing Department, which is locat-
ed at the world headquarters in Brooklyn, New York.
It also handles correspondence about Bible ques-
tions and provides photographs and images for our
publications. The Writing Desk includes a section
called History Archives, which preserves and cata-
logues documents and objects relating to our theo-
cratic history and heritage in the branch territory.
History Archives also organizes exhibitions.
Translation Department
The English text of our publications is received from
world headquarters, translated into German, and
checked for conformity to the English source text.
Then the text is proofread to ensure that it adheres
to the standards of spelling, punctuation, and gram-
mar. In addition, the Translation Department over-
sees the transcription of the text into Braille and
the video production of Bible publications in Ger-
man Sign Language.
Welcome
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the
Central Europe branch office of Jehovah’s
Witnesses. We hope that your visit will be a
pleasant one. Our branch complex is called Bethel,
which means “House of God.” This Biblical name
is fitting because all those who serve here are
ordained ministers, dedicated to Jehovah God.
They devote themselves full-time to supporting the
Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work.
—Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.
To organize this work, there are about 90 branch
offices worldwide—all working under the direction
of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The Central Europe branch supports the preaching
work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Austria, Germany,
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
Audio/Video
This department prepares audio recordings of
the Bible, The Watchtower, Awake!, convention
dramas, and sound tracks for videos.
Audio/Video also records the vocal renditions of
Sing to Jehovah in German and produces
synchronized audio recordings for our videos.
In addition, it supplies Jehovah’s Witnesses in many
parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa with Bibles and
Bible literature.
In 1902 a branch office was opened in Elberfeld
(Wuppertal), Germany. In 1920 a Central European
office was established in Switzerland. That office
supervised the work in many European countries
until the second world war. In 1923, the Germany
branch was moved to Magdeburg. After the second
world war, branch offices were opened in several
central European countries, including Germany,
where the office was eventually moved from
Magdeburg to Wiesbaden.
In 1984 a larger complex with offices, printery,
and residence buildings was completed at Selters
(Taunus), Germany. However, within ten years the
complex had to be expanded to more than double its
original size to keep up with the growth of the
preaching and teaching work. By 2014, the branch
offices in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland had
been consolidated to form the Central Europe
branch.
Graphics
The Graphics Department combines artwork,
photographs, and composed text, using the
Mutilanguage Electronic Publishing System
(MEPS). Translating branches send us composed
pages, which are checked and arranged into the
configuration in which they should appear on the
printing plate. Finally, the pages are sent
electronically to the printery, where plates are
made using the computer-to-plate method.
1–8: Residence Buildings
Offices
Branch Committee
Closely following the direction of the Governing
Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Branch Commit-
tee takes the lead in organizing the preaching and
teaching work in Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
Service Department these committees make this
information available to doctors who are
Brothers in this department handle correspondence
willing to treat their Witness patients without the
from circuit overseers, elders,
use of blood.
pioneers, and others. In addi-
tion, the Service Department Writing Desk
keeps records of congregation The Central Europe branch is one of the branches
territories and compiles field that has a Writing Desk, which submits written ma-
service reports. This depart-
ment also schedules various
terial for our publications. Its work includes doing
research for the Writing Department, which is locat- Audio/Video
theocratic schools, conven-
ed at the world headquarters in Brooklyn, New York.
tions, and assemblies. It also handles correspondence about Bible ques- This department prepares audio recordings of
tions and provides photographs and images for our the Bible, The Watchtower, Awake!, convention
Public Information Desk
publications. The Writing Desk includes a section dramas, and sound tracks for videos.
This desk provides news called History Archives, which preserves and cata- Audio/Video also records the vocal renditions of
agencies and others with ac- logues documents and objects relating to our theo- Sing to Jehovah in German and produces
curate information about Jeho- cratic history and heritage in the branch territory. synchronized audio recordings for our videos.
vah’s Witnesses, clearing up
History Archives also organizes exhibitions.
any misunderstandings regarding their beliefs and
Translation Department
ministry. Additionally, the Public Information Desk
The English text of our publications is received from
supplies material for the “Newsroom” section on
our Web site, jw.org. world headquarters, translated into German, and
checked for conformity to the English source text.
Computer Department Then the text is proofread to ensure that it adheres
This department maintains the computer systems to the standards of spelling, punctuation, and gram-
that are used in the branch. Some of such systems mar. In addition, the Translation Department over-
include those used to update congregation records sees the transcription of the text into Braille and
in the Service Department, process literature re- the video production of Bible publications in Ger-
quests in the printery, handle purchasing orders, man Sign Language.
and keep schedules for the Bethel Home. The Com-
puter Department also maintains the systems for
e-mail, word processing, and file storage. This de-
partment also cares for the Multilanguage Electron-
Library, and our Web site, jw.org.
Hospital Information Desk
dures. In turn, the congregation elders serving on
We sincerely hope that your visit to Bethel has
Welcome
been a rewarding one. No doubt it has helped you to
become acquainted with the work that Jehovah’s
Witnesses are doing to aid people in their quest for
Welcome It is a pleasure to welcome you to the
to the Central Europe
a better future through God’s Kingdom. May your Central Europe branch office of Jehovah’s
visit with us be an encouragement to you in your Witnesses. We hope that your visit will be a
pleasant one. Our branch complex is called Bethel,
Branch Office
efforts to learn more about our loving Creator and to
live by his righteous standards. which means “House of God.” This Biblical name
is fitting because all those who serve here are
Visiting Hours: Visitors are welcome to take a guided
tour of our facilities. The regular visiting hours are of Jehovah’s Witnesses ordained ministers, dedicated to Jehovah God.
They devote themselves full-time to supporting the
Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work.
Monday Through Friday:
—Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and
To organize this work, there are about 90 branch
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
offices worldwide—all working under the direction
We request that larger groups inform us in advance of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
of their planned visit. The Central Europe branch supports the preaching
work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Austria, Germany,
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
Location: Niederselters, Am Steinfels 1, 65618 Selters (Taunus).
Telephone: 49(0)6483 410
˘ 2014 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
Druck und Verlag: Wachtturm-Gesellschaft, Selters/Taunus
Printed in Germany fo-E Ge
Printery
Reception
Center
Services
Building
Workshops 1
2
9
Office Building 3
8
4
7 6 5
9: Office and Residence Building
Printery
Pressroom
Magazines, booklets, book signatures (book
parts), and tracts are printed in four colors on
our rotary offset press. In one hour, 200,000
16-page magazines can be printed, folded,
glued, trimmed, counted, and shrink-wrapped
in one continuous process. Forms, assembly
programs, book covers, and the like are printed
on smaller presses.
Bindery
Our bindery produces about 100,000 softcover
books a day. For durability, the glue used to
attach the cover to the book is able to
withstand wide fluctuations in temperature,
thus making the books suitable for climates
from Africa to Siberia.
The Bethel Home
Bethel family members are provided with room
and board and a small monthly allowance to
assist with their personal expenses. Nine
residence buildings provide comfortable rooms.
A number of essential tasks are performed in
the Bethel Home. For example, some members washes and irons over seven tons of
serve in the kitchen, where they prepare nutritious clothing for the family every week. The
meals that are served in our spacious dining laundered items are delivered to each
room. The family thus benefits from a residential building.
well-balanced diet in a wholesome environment.
Other members do cleaning and housekeeping.
Some family members are assigned to look after
the grounds, and various maintenance crews care
for buildings, machines, and vehicles. The laundry
The Bethel Family
Bible Instruction
Although the members of this Bethel family come
from about 30 nations, they can truly be called a
family because of their unity in serving their heavenly
Father, Jehovah. In addition, Bethel family members
have a personal share in the Kingdom-preaching and
disciple-making work. They attend nearby
congregations, where a number of brothers serve as
elders and ministerial servants.
Each workday morning, the Bethel family comes
together to consider a Bible text, using the booklet
Examining the Scriptures Daily. After a prayer,
a chairman presides over this 15-minute discussion,
and family members are assigned to comment
on the text. Following the discussion, breakfast
is served.
On Monday evenings the entire Bethel family
gathers to study the Bible with the help of
The Watchtower. At times, there are special
programs after the Watchtower Study. These
Bible discussions each workday morning
and on Monday evenings are an important part
of Bethel life.
Shipping
This department maintains a stock of
New arrivals attend the Bethel Entrants’ School over 8,000 different items in more than
and are expected to read the entire Bible 220 languages. Our branch receives literature
during their first year at Bethel. Members requests from more than 16,000 congregations
of the Bethel family also make time for
in about 50 countries. An operator collects
personal Bible study. A well-furnished library
and packs publications onto a picking trolley,
containing publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses
using a wireless computer terminal on his arm.
as well as other reference works is available
The computer terminal indicates the quantity
to the family.
of the items requested.
Export
Requested literature is sent to the congregations
throughout the branch territory and other
countries by truck, rail, ship, air, or mail.
In addition, about 10,000 tons of literature
is sent to other countries each year.